American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Indian Ceremonial Sand Paintings (Exhibition)
birth: 1951 October 5
death: unknown
Exhibition. Opened October 2, 1951. Located in the Corner Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History. "Indian Ceremonial Sand Paintings" featured 21 sand paintings by David Villasenor. The
Summary
"Indian Ceremonial Sand Paintings" featured 21 sand paintings by David Villasenor. The paintings were permanent reproductions of those done in sand by the Navajos, which designs have special spiritual significance. Villasenor lived with the Navajos and studied their techniques, their rituals, and their mythology in order to translate their temporary art into permanent form. They were usually done in a sequence known as a "chant". The exhibition, arranged and installed by Katherine Beneker, Supervisor of Temporary Exhibitions at the Museum, was on view in the Corner Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History starting October 8, 1951.